Backpacks

Yes you need a sturdy back pack for hospital visits. I would have appreciated one for my chemo treatments.

Since opening this thread I had my hospital appointment with my existing leather smallish back pack. It was OK but something slightly bigger would have been better. It did stand upright though which was good and the back straps were convenient and comfy. What I did like about the Mia Tui bags is the bright light interior with plenty of pockets.

I have a longer appointment soon starting early so I will try and get to a John Lewis beforehand to view the .Roka bags and their own brands.
Thanks for all the suggestions.

Macaydia

£65 ? I think I could sew that myself for far less.

Of course you could from fabric but Roka bags are extremely eco friendly as they are made from recycled plastic bottles and recycled fabrics. They are super strong with several pockets and very strong zips.

I have made fabric bags in the past but they’re not firm. OK for knitting bags or very light shopping.
rokalondon.com/pages/sustainability

No I can't make one for £5.50 - what a bargain !

£65 ? I think I could sew that myself for far less.

My daughter has a bright pink Roka bag and loves it. It is the medium size. It was £65. I said I would like one and a few months later she bought one for me in a charity shop. Brand new with tags £5.50! It was bottle green and such a bargain. When my son started chemo he needed a bag for his Ipad, books, drink, phone etc so I gave it to him. Very useful and an ideal size.

I don't understand the attraction of the new style which rolls down from the top. Such a faff to open it up each time!!

I haven't heard of any of these makes but when I last bought a backpack it was also a selling point that it shouldn't crump!e into a heap when you put it down, but kept its shape. I discovered baby changing bags. I got one of those (without the changing mat which rolls up into it) and am very happy with it.

The advantages of these bags are

(a) They have waterproof compartments
(b) They have straps to attach to pram handles which would also attach to a walker
(c) I've also just realised that if they did have a changing mat, it would be useful as a mat to sit on if you stopped for a break on a bench

They also come in nice designs. Mine is plain light grey with a light interior and two outer pockets, and the essential hidden pocket for a purse or phone. No baby motifs!

Just had a look on M&S, they now do a Good Move backpack,ŵith a lot of pockets,and Gym holdall bag and a crossbody bag.

*Was Good move,sorry for typo

When i go hosp appts i use a M&S Go Move bag- (part of the gym range) its a fabric bag, but strong with strong handles and a bottle pocket on both ends.It was £16 but might be a bit more now, i've had it about 4years.It zips up at the top, and theres a zipped pocket,which u can turn either way so you can keep it turned in &safe.Its a shoulder bag(or you can carry by the handles) .I take it to the spa as well.Its a good bag.The 2 end bottles are perfect,i pop in a water bottle in one, and a hand sanitiser & tissues in other end,and everything else inside.

I always use a rucksack these days partly because it makes me walk more upright ( widows stoop) but I have a small bag in which I keep my phone purse and reading glasses. I struggle with heavy shopping bags but can carry a really heavy amount on my back.

I’ve just bought a Roka rucksack (on Vinted, as they’re very expensive when new). I like the chunky zip.
If you want a lightweight, washable rucksack though, definitely go for Kipling.
If you’re not bothered about fashion, I would recommend a proper walking rucksack - they always have lots of pockets and are lightweight.

Roka bags are rather heavy. I prefer the fjällräven rucksacks.

Why not go into an outdoor shop and try them all!

I have a daysack for walks which annoys me because it has one zip rather than the 2 way one.

I bought it because it is lightweight and has supporting waist and chest straps.

I bought a couple. I ended up throwing away the smaller (crossbody) one because the fake leather cracked & wore out in places. I still have a larger one but it hasn’t got a cross body strap which I find essential.

I use a Healthy back bag ( single strap rucksack) which I usually carry in front, but can be pushed to the back. I use the size small, ( there are much smaller slings and purses) which because the bag is a triangle shape doesn’t quite fit my IPad in the internal tech pocket, but will take a book. There is an external pocket that takes a slim water bottle, and room inside for a waterproof and lunch for one. There are bigger sizes. I dont think it would stand up unaided, unless the water bottle was inside in the base.

I can recommend Mia Tui bags. I have several and use them all the time, including a backpack. I’ve had no problems with them, don’t find them hot, and love the range of colours. I like that they’re not leather.

Roka bags are brilliant. They have a large selection on line and have loads of offers throughout the year. Wide range of colours, patterns and sizes.

ROKA bags are fantastic quality.

Go for Roka - every size and design and colour you want, and all recycled materials. I had MiaTui bag once, the quality was awful and the straps slid off my shoulders. Explore the Roka of London website and you'll find something the right size and shape that suits your needs.

I think expensive for what they are. Had mine and peeled. Was told as just over year out of guarantee. Not a great experience with them , sadly.

I have 2 backpacks from a sports shop. Not fashion items but comfortable, strong and waterproof.. One carries my swimming stuff. The other for daily use with purse, phone, water bottle and room for a book and a hoodie.

Thank you again for all the suggestions. There are some lovely bags.. I am going to a local town next week with a TKMaxx so will have a look there.

I am also having another look at my smallish leather back pack in a new light and trying it out with a paperback, water bottle bottle plus sandwich box. I may just need to buy a smallish makeup bag type bag to put small things in which get lost st the bottom of the bag and I have attsched a carabiner,clip to the zip on the inside pocket to which I can attach my keys. That may be ok for my hospital appt next week which will involve s lot of waiting and sitting about in different departments. And if its not OK I will know why not and review the suggestions.

Roka every time. I have a wide selection.
Great firm to deal with and beautifully designed backpacks and cross body bags. By far the best in my opinion.

I like Roka bags too, and also (after a recommendation on here) Foldi ones. They are very reasonably priced, fold up so small you can take a spare one, and are fixed to fit under a seat in an aeroplane. Both Roka and Foldi have airline-aware sizing, and many styles have slots in the back for sitting them on top of wheeled suitcases if you are taking that as well as carry on luggage.

For a hospital appointment (outpatient?) I recommend a Willesden sling back from Roka. They hold a lot more than you'd think from looking at them, and can be worn cross body or slung over a shoulder. Not quite a backpack, but very versatile and they come in a huge range of colours (and are washable/wipe clean).

Have a look in TK max and try a few for size and how they feel. Make sure there’s a pocket that sits next to your back to keep credit cards etc away from potential pick pockets.